We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Hinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was leaving my first graduate school program, occupational therapy (OT). I had never quit anything so it was a very difficult process even though it felt right. When I began college, I was encouraged to decide on a career so I went with occupational therapy – it’s one of the top rated jobs to have, OT’s make decent money and I enjoy helping people so why not?! I spent four years doing my undergrad at UTD and was accepted to TWU’s Master of Occupational Therapy school. About halfway through the first semester, I knew it didn’t feel right. I had previously volunteered with an organization working with adults on the autism spectrum and I couldn’t quit thinking about them – which is a population OT’s don’t currently serve. So, while I really love the OT approach and everything they do, I decided it wasn’t for me. I finished the first semester and quit with my only plan being make money long enough to make another plan!

The months following that were difficult; I worked four part-time jobs to pay rent while I figured out my next move. I questioned my decision to quit almost daily without a clear path ahead. Ultimately, the risk paid off and I landed a job at the organization I had previously volunteered with, nonPareil Institute. It was an amazing first job that really jumpstarted my passion for working with adults on the autism spectrum and kicked off this unique road I’m on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what makes my story unique is I have followed a passion versus a specific career or title. Once I realized my passion for working with adults with IDD, I said yes to opportunities that would broaden my understanding and put me in a position to really make a difference. When I am a part of something, I can’t help but go “all in” – a blessing and a curse! I began at nonPareil as a part-time receptionist and my manager quickly requested I become full-time to assist with more of her responsibilities. Not long after that, the program hired a recent PhD grad to start an entirely new part of program, addressing the soft skills our students needed to succeed in the program and beyond. I had a special vantage point as the receptionist, so I shared some of my observations and suggestions with him and he recruited me to join his team in developing the new program. The transition leading to this point (dropping out of OT school to working four part-time jobs to here) caused me to develop anxiety I had never experienced before, and it really manifested as social anxiety – so, it was ironic that I was hired as the Social Engagement Coordinator (God is funny). Now, I can look back and say experiencing that kind of anxiety better prepared me to work with and support many of the young adults I’ve met since.

Beginning of 2019, I said “yes” to a seemingly-crazy job working as a live-in Caregiver for three young men with IDD. I support their day-to-day lives while improving independent living skills; we cook, clean, shop, learn to live with roommates, etc. and I also provide transportation. While it seemed like a lot to take on (it’s a 7-days-a-week job with one weekend off a month), I knew it would give me an intimate understanding of the daily life and support needs for individuals with IDD. Although it is a very time-consuming job, it’s caused me to be more intentional with my time and I feel more engaged in my personal/family life than I was working a normal 40-hour work week! I also have daytimes off during the week, which has allowed me to do some personal exploration and make the decision to return to grad school for a Master’s in Social Work. Strangely, this “job” doesn’t feel like a job to me; although I take it very seriously and definitely put effort into helping the guys develop skills and improving the general workings of the house, it feels more like “life” than a job!

Working as a Caregiver, I’ve also learned what it takes to effectively manage a neighborhood home – working with families, residents and providers to make it all work together. I’m able to use this knowledge serving as a Board Member for Community for Permanent and Supported Housing (CPSH). While I am not certain what direction my career will take, I am certain that my experience working as a Caregiver has better prepared me for it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a very casual person! I live in the Canyon Creek Neighborhood in Richardson and absolutely love it, so we’d probably mostly stay in the area – nature walks at Prairie Creek Park, margs on the patio at Dos Arroyos, and of course some wine tasting at The Wine Authority (my favorite). I also love watching Improv Comedy and have recently fallen in love with Four Day Weekend in Lower Greenville – that is definitely a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first shoutout I’d like to give is to nonPareil Institute. It’s an incredible nonprofit that provides technical training and work-readiness skills for adults on the autism spectrum. I randomly met the CEO/President and he invited me to come tour during my last semester of undergrad. I immediately felt drawn to their mission and offered to volunteer weekly; this opportunity is really what started it all for me! I would later work there as receptionist turned programming staff and create a social program for 150 students. Interestingly, I’m back at nP now completing internship hours for a Master’s in Social Work. I just can’t stay away!

I’d also like to give recognition to the Burt Family and Community for Permanent and Supported Housing (CPSH). Ross & Jill Burt own a neighborhood home where their son lives with two other roommates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They have trusted me to serve as the caregiver for the home for over two years now and it has been an incredible learning experience (not to mention lots of fun!). The Burt’s introduced me to CPSH, which assists families in pursuing independent living for their loved ones and increases access to important resources. CPSH has given me the opportunity to serve as a Board Member and I have already learned so much in the first few months of working with them!

Website: https://npusa.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-hinson-514579164/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TxCPSH

Other: https://www.txcpsh.org/ I included my LinkedIn, website for nonPareil and CPSH, and Facebook for CPSH since I don’t really have a personal brand/website to share

Image Credits
Pixel Perfect Rose

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